THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Lord, of the nearly 800k words in the Bible, two words carry great weight that require us to make a decision and evaluate the consequences of our choice. The words? “If” and “Or”

We use these words without thinking but each time we consciously or unconsciously make a decision, we consciously or unconsciously live the consequences. For instance,

[If] my low-gas light comes on, I can stop at a nearby service station and refill [or] I can risk driving further to another station where gas is three cents cheaper but run the risk of running out of gas … and walking.

I’ve been faithful to my diet, but the buffet’s cinnamon rolls are to die for. [If] I remain faithful to my weight loss program, the pounds will continue to drop. [Or] if I cheat on my diet, chances are the pounds will creep back on.

I’m on a business trip and the opportunity arises where I can pad my time without the company knowing. [If] I choose honesty, I keep my integrity. [Or] if I choose fraud, I’m unemployed and labeled a thief when I’m found out.

Jesus, you taught us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. [If] you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” 

You give me a choice. If I follow you, your sweet Spirit guides me into the truth, for you are truth and life. Or if I choose to ignore your precepts and live by my own flawed values, I’ll continue to stumble through life, not knowing truth from deception.

Lord, when I’m faced with a choice, may I always choose your ways and reap the benefits of the right choices. Amen, Jesus